Hayley Turner has high hopes for Margot Did on Dubai World Cup night

Hayley Turner has her eyes on the biggest pay cheque of her career as she
prepares to partner Margot Did in Saturday’s £387,097 Al Quoz Sprint over
five furlongs at Meydan. But the pair must overcome the highest draw in
stall 16.

Fighting fit: Hayley Turner has revealed that Margot Did is expected to be a lot sharper for her recent effort at MeydanPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

Turner, 29, the best-known female jockey in Britain, said: “It’s the first time I have had a ride on World Cup night and I’m dead excited.”

Margot Did won the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August to give the jockey her second Group One ­triumph in a memorable season. She had already landed the July Cup on Dream Ahead.

“She travelled so well in behind that day,” Turner said. “I know the ground was loose, but I don’t think the surface is an issue with her. Her chances are not ground-dependent.”

Despite the constant watering at Meydan, the hot temperature and the high winds this week will conspire to provide a fast surface. However, the decent covering of grass will prevent any jar underfoot.

Margot Did disappointed in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp last October, but redeemed herself somewhat on her only run since, when a respectable eighth in the Meydan Sprint here on March 10, which can be interpreted as a perfect pipe-opener for Saturday.

“She needed it badly,” Turner said. “We weighed her recently, and she was a lot lighter than before her last run. I think she’s fitter and sharper. I know it’s not ideal being drawn the outside, but it’s not as if she’s right up against the rail. Considering the width of the track, she’s nearer the middle, which is a help.”